Contest FAQ

Is there any maximum length restriction?
No, it can be any length over one minute (excluding credits). We strongly recommend that you keep it as short as possible. We prefer quality over quantity and longer runtime will not earn you any favor.

Can I team up with another artist?
YES! You can team up with as many people as you like. It is difficult to collaborate with other artists, so if you pull it off, you deserve to benefit. You can even pay others to work on your film - it helps the animation economy!

Can I submit my film even if it is unfinished?
Yes you can. However, depending on how unfinished it is, this could play a significant factor in how it is judged. Be smart with your production! Give yourself plenty of time, and expect that the film will take you longer than you expect. Cut scenes which aren't necessary to the overall story if you are struggling for time, and build your animation up in layers of detail. So if you do run out of time, the detail might not be there but at least the story and performance will make sense.

Can I promote my entry in other places as well as the contest?
YES! Your film belongs to you. It is yours to do whatever you like with.

Can I submit one of my old films to be considered?
No. You can create a film that you have been thinking about before the competition , or use material that you had previously sketched down in your sketchbook. But the animation production time needs to be between the time you sign up to the event, and the submission deadline.

Can I submit more than one film?
No

What if I sign up and change my mind later?
Dropping out is not a problem. We understand that life happens. Just let us know by messaging one of our moderators on discord, or by using the question form below.

Are foreign language films allowed (not English)?
Yes, but help us all out by subtitling it. Otherwise, many of us won't understand your story.

Where do I upload the film?
A page will be made public here on animator guild, and registered contestants will be notified when the page is launched. If you are already finished with your film, we advise that you go back to your film and improve it. There is still a lot of time left until the deadline.
​
Can there be nudity in my film?
It must be dignified, not explicit. Renaissance statues at an art gallery is an example of dignified nudity. If you are really uncertain and are worried that your film might be disqualified, you can message one of the moderators on the Animator Guild Discord group and ask them.

Can I use rotoscoping in my film?
Yes! We support rotoscoping as a legitimate animation method. However, you need to own the footage you rotoscope. No rotoscoping other people's video footage / animations. We will know if you have rotoscoped stolen footage.

Can my film be a trailer for a larger film or series?
Yes... But you will at a disadvantage against a short narrative film. Trailers typically don't deliver on story, they just give a preview of the visuals and themes. We would recommend that instead of creating a trailer, you make a pilot film or episode. A pilot episode is the first episode in a series and sets the scene of the series to come in the form of a short story.

Can I use 3D animation?
Yes!

Can I use stop motion animation?
Yes!

Can I mix live action images/footage and animation in my film?
Yes, but the film needs to be at least 50% animated

Can I create a parody film?
This is a chance for you to use your own voice, to make a film which comes from you. No, you cannot make a parody.

Can I adapt a character / story from a book or comic?
We want this to be your story. We want you to come away from this, owning a piece of intellectual property which truly belongs to you. No.